We first heard about The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) now Blood Cancer United, through my brother-in-law who participated in the Ironman with Team In Training (TNT). He was involved with TNT for a few years before our family was affected by cancer. My father-in-law was diagnosed with multiple myeloma (MM) in 2019. He benefited from my brother-in-law's knowledge, resources, and network of other TNT volunteers, and thankfully he was doing well.
Unfortunately, in 2021, my father-in-law relapsed around the same time my 12-year-old daughter, Azul, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Within four months of my daughter's diagnosis, my father-in-law passed away. Azul said she wanted to make sure to finish the fight for both of them.
When Azul was diagnosed, one of the first things my brother-in-law did was send me the link to the Blood Cancer United website and told me to apply for any and all assistance. We were thankfully provided with a gas reimbursement card that was very helpful with Azul's weekly doctor visits.
I clearly remember being asked if we would be a part of the research on the first day of Azul's treatment. They asked permission for extra samples to be drawn during her treatment to be used in research. With no hesitation, Azul said, "Yes, Mom, I want to make sure that good comes out of this, and if I can help anyone else, I want to do it." I will never forget that and want to also do my part in helping her continue to have positive things come from this difficult time in our lives. As a mother, there are many things that I saw and learned during her 2½ years of treatment that make me want to fight for change and better treatments for our children.
Natalia
volunteer
